Green report card: UW gets an A-, WSU gets a C

The rivalry between the University of Washington and Washington State University might make for a close race in most areas, but not when it comes to environmental sustainability.

At least, that’s what GreenReportCard.org reported Wednesday, when it assigned the UW an A- for environmental efforts around campus. WSU earned a C.

The grades, handed out by the Sustainable Endowments Institute, are based in several criteria, including student involvement, the administration’s attitude about sustainability and transportation policy.

The UW earned high marks for reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 36 percent since 2005 and spending 40 percent of its food budget on local products.

WSU’s lower grade could be because shareholder engagement earned an F and student involvement was found to be lower than desired. Or it could be because WSU never replied to the survey, meaning its grade was compiled based on information gathered from secondary sources.